Grand jury indicts Patrick Kane on theft and assault charges

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Blackhawks star Patrick Kane and his cousin were indicted today on misdemeanor assault and theft charges for allegedly beating up a cab driver over a fare.

But a grand jury dismissed the more serious felony second-degree robbery charges, according to the Erie County district attorney's office.

Patrick Kane was told of the developments by the Tribune at the U.S. Olympic orientation camp in Woodridge.

"That's news to me to be honest with you," he said. "I haven't heard yet. I'll talk to my lawyer after this. If the felony is dropped, that's obviously a positive step. The sooner it gets over, I think the more everyone will be happy about it. I'm just excited to go home at this point."

Chicago Blackhawks Forward Patrick Kane speaks about his arrest at a press conference on Monday.

Kane and his cousin James Kane were arrested Aug. 9 after 62-year-old cabbie Jan Radecki told police they attacked him when he didn't have 20 cents change for the fare. The Kanes were initially charged with felony robbery and misdemeanor counts of theft and criminal mischief.

But the grand jury did not find enough evidence to indict the cousins on felony charges. But it did indict the men on assault in the third degree and theft of services, which are both misdemeanors. The men were also indicted on harassment charges, a municipal violation, officials said.

If convicted of the misdemeanors, Kane and his cousin face up to a year in jail, officials said.

The Kanes will appear for an arraignment at 2 p.m. Thursday before Chief Buffalo City Court Judge Thomas Amodeo.

Erie County District Attorney Frank Sedita III said he would treat the Chicago forward like any other defendant.

Asked if a plea bargain is possible, Patrick Kane's lawyer, Paul Cambria, says there have been numerous discussions but no deal is in place.